Latest news with #LifeEsidimeni
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How the SIU is battling funding challenges and whistle-blower protection
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) officials discuss challenges facing the SIU in fighting corruption and some of the unit's successes as highlighted in the recent research by the ISS. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is grappling with serious challenges that threaten its effectiveness in combating corruption. These challenges include ensuring the safety of its personnel and whistle-blowers, a financial squeeze due to an increasing caseload, an inadequate funding model, and an ineffectual debt collection process. The issues are highlighted in a new research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), conducted in partnership with the SIU, examining the unit's successes and its challenges in combating crime. At a seminar hosted by the ISS in Pretoria on Wednesday, SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, talked about the unit's funding woes, citing an unsustainable model due to state institutions owing over R1 billion. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The SIU's funding consists of a 47% grant from Parliament and 53% from fees for services rendered. However, Mothibi noted that some state institutions are reluctant to settle the resulting invoices, often because senior officials are implicated in investigations. 'As we sit today, the debt from state institutions is well over R1 billion. It is really not acceptable.' He said that occasionally, the institution would arrange for ministers to intervene, resulting in some payments being made, but this approach 'is not sustainable'. He insisted, however, that the unit is currently financially sound. Mothibi emphasised the importance of whistle-blower protection, citing an incident during the Life Esidimeni investigation, where a witness received death threats and was subsequently protected under the National Prosecuting Authority's witness protection programme. He said from a whistle-blower protection standpoint, there is an opportunity for improvement, and the Department of Justice and Development is leading a project to enhance the legislation. He mentioned that the current legislation primarily focuses on employment-related protections, but they aim to broaden it to provide comprehensive whistle-blower protection, including witness protection. David Bruce, a researcher on policing and corruption, suggested a system is needed to prevent government officials implicated in wrongdoing from resigning and landing jobs in other institutions. 'To me, the important thing is that people who are implicated in corruption should not be permitted to continue working for the government,' he said. Colette Ashton, an anti-corruption lawyer, noted that corruption cases are often challenging to prosecute due to witnesses' reluctance to testify and alleged perpetrators using legal and financial secrecy, aided by professional enablers, to conceal evidence. David Lewis from the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Commission stated that the burden of proof in corruption cases can be a significant hurdle, rendering prosecution challenging. 'People weigh up the risk and the potential benefits of engaging in corruption, and eight times out of 10, they conclude that the risk is worth taking because the incidence of successful prosecution is low in every jurisdiction of the world, and that is just a fact we have to face up to,' he said. The ISS investigation into the SIU's work highlighted other key findings, including inadequate systems to enforce recommendations and unnecessary delays in the administrative processing of Presidential proclamations.
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Wits study reveals gap in Sedibeng's integrated mental health-care system
A recent study has found that integrating psychiatric services into primary health-care (PHC) clinics in Sedibeng has improved access for people living with serious mental illness. However, progress is being undermined by various challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, high patient volumes, staff shortages and fragmented leadership. The study — published in the online journal Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, and led by Saira Abdulla, a PhD fellow at the Centre for Health Policy at Wits University — evaluated mental health services in nine clinics across Sedibeng in southern Gauteng. 'Sedibeng district has really high levels of unemployment, poverty and violence — all of which really worsen health inequalities,' said Abdulla. 'The district has also implemented mental health screening programmes in primary health care [after] the Life Esidimeni tragedy.' About 4,500 patients in Sedibeng had accessed these services, though the system had not undergone a formal evaluation. The research compared two models of integration: physically integrated clinics, where psychiatric and PHC teams share space, records and management structures; and co-located clinics, where psychiatric services operate adjacent to PHC facilities, but function independently. 'In South Africa, we actually don't have any standardised approaches to integrating that care,' said Abdulla. 'In physically integrated clinics, mental health staff are part of the clinic. They share records, space and resources. In co-located clinics, they work in silos.' While physically integrated models offered better collaboration, both settings were constrained by inadequate space, high caseloads and limited staff. In some clinics, psychiatric consultations were held in shared rooms, with no privacy. 'I just want you to imagine, as you are speaking to the psychiatric doctor, there's another psychiatric doctor in the same room as you seeing another patient,' Abdulla said. 'The patients can listen to each other's consultation.' I just want you to imagine, as you are speaking to the psychiatric doctor, there's another psychiatric doctor in the same room as you seeing another patient,' Abdulla said. 'The patients can listen to each other's consultation. The study also uncovered serious staffing challenges. Clinics typically operated with five psychiatric nurses and doctors rotated between sites for adult psychiatric consultations. With monthly caseloads ranging from 580 to 910 patients, the lack of consistent staff meant long queues and rushed consultations. 'You have people waiting outside in long lines for hours without any seating,' said Abdulla. 'Providers [staff] have to decide; see what is more important and then deal with it the next time you come back.' The research also found that some PHC doctors were reluctant to treat psychiatric patients, especially stable ones who could be managed at PHC level. Instead, they referred all cases to already stretched community psychiatry staff. 'They are already overburdened and might not feel confident enough to treat mental health conditions,' said Abdulla. 'Primary health-care providers should be managing common mental health disorders or stable cases, which is not actually happening.' Another finding was the importance of leadership. The physically integrated clinic benefited from stronger management, resulting in better communication and less staff conflict. In contrast, the co-located clinic suffered from a 'vacuum in power and in management', which led to a toxic work environment. Abdulla is calling for national and district-level reform. 'We need clearer guidance in terms of referrals,' she said. 'We need mental health training for primary health-care staff. We need strong leadership at the clinic level as well as at the district level.' She added that clinics would also benefit from having dedicated mental health champions to support day-to-day integration efforts. Though the study focused solely on Sedibeng for Abdulla's doctoral research, she hopes to continue this work beyond her PhD. Her warning to health policymakers is stark. 'Integration needs to happen, but it can't happen without leadership, without support and without accountability,' she said. 'While we do have really great policies, they need to be backed by action on the ground if you want to prevent tragedies like the Life Esidimeni. We must invest in primary health care and in specific integrated care.' The tragedy involved the deaths of more than 140 mental health patients who were relocated from the private institution to less expensive
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Rebuild VBS, urges ANC treasurer-general
Ramokgopa advised ANC leaders to speak with one voice to preserve the dignity of the party. VBS Mutual Bank customers queue outside the bank, demanding their money in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on 20 June 2018. Picture: Gallo Images/ANTONIO Muchave/Sowetan ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa has pleaded with the Reserve Bank and National Treasury to assist the Vhembe community in Limpopo to rebuild the collapsed Venda Business Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. More than 53 people have been charged for theft, corruption, fraud, money laundering, contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, and racketeering for stealing and looting more than R2 billion of VBS Mutual Bank money since 2018. Ramokgopa was speaking during a well-attended memorial service of the late ANC veteran, Reverend Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, at the George Phagadi Town Hall in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, this week. Farisani passed away on Thursday, 29 May 2025, and his funeral will be held at the University of Venda Stadium, outside Thohoyandou, on Saturday. The former prominent Lutheran Church Bishop and known political struggle hero was honoured for his resilience in the fight for freedom and equality against the apartheid regime. The service was attended by South African Communist Party deputy national chairperson Thulas Nxesi, Limpopo first female premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo ANC secretary Vhamusanda Reuben Madazhe, Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature Dr Makoma Makhurupetsa, Mopani district municipality Mayor Pule Frelimo Shayi and leaders from various religious and political structures in the province and beyond. Speaking to the mourners at the service, Ramokgopa said Farisani had fought for VBS victims. 'Government, under the tutelage of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been on the side of the victims. We always said those who stole from VBS must be punished and languish in jail. 'The Reserve Bank and the Department of Finance, under the tutelage of Minister Enoch Godongwana, must assist the grieving communities to rebuild the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank,' she said. 'We have many times successfully rebuilt our country, including the health system in Gauteng during the predicaments of Life Esidimeni. We have also successfully rebuilt the Limpopo provincial government after it collapsed through fraudulent activities after some in the era of mismanaged government funds. 'There is nothing that can stand in our way to rebuild the VBS Mutual Bank and begin on a clean sheet,' she said to thunderous applause. ALSO READ: Simelane VBS matter will not be swept under carpet Lazy mayors The treasurer also scolded lazy mayors, who sit idly while communities face poor service delivery. 'When I came here, I drove a sizeable number of potholes, and the feeling was unbearable. For the record, good roads are important to us because they have a positive impact on the economy of our communities, our regions, our province and our country. 'They attract investment that often blossoms our economy. I therefore implore you, Honourable Premier Ramathuba and your mayors, to fix all your roads and patch potholes so that investors can invest in your municipalities. 'Through this, we can win the fight against the triple challenges of inequality, unemployment and poverty,' she said. ALSO READ: Mayor claims she was exonerated of VBS graft allegations ANC conference slammed However, the memorial service did not go without controversy. Veteran journalist Mathatha Tsedu was invited to the stage to give testimony on the life well spent by Farisani and how his political acumen bolstered his journalism prowess. However, Tsedu used the platform to voice criticism of the irregularities surrounding the ANC Vhembe regional elective conference in May. 'This is the ANC of Farisani. He would be disappointed by how you skipped vital items in the programme, only to jump into nominations and elections of the top five officials. 'How do you jump the secretariat report and other vital items on the programme as if the main objective of the conference was to elect leaders,' he asked. The conference saw Tshitereke Matibe living up to his name — 'Tshitereke,' a Venda name meaning 'protest' — as he staged a bold demonstration at the venue, ultimately securing a fourth term. Tsedu's criticism was challenged by an ANC regional executive committee (REC) member. 'Tsedu does not understand the politics of the ANC. This is not journalism, he must just leave politics to politicians, and journalism to the newsroom. You can just read from his address that he is far from within,' said the senior member, speaking to The Citizen on condition of anonymity. The leader, who asked for his name to be withheld for fear of reprisal, said that despite the woo-ha, Matibe won the conference hands down. In response, Ramokgopa advised ANC leaders to speak with one voice in an effort to preserve the dignity of the party. NOW READ: Calls for VBS-linked Bojanala mayor to go
eNCA
31-05-2025
- Health
- eNCA
Stage production recounts Life Esidimeni tragedy
JOHANNESBURG - The Life Esidimeni tragedy shook South Africa to its core. 144 mentally ill patients died after government moved them out of private healthcare facilities to state-subsidised ones. READ: SA State Theatre launches streaming platform Isililo recounts the collective traumas of the families who lost their lost their loved ones. Producer, Siyabonga Mdubeki, had a talk with eNCA's Abigail Visagie on his production that will be showcased at SA state theatre in June.
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Jona Vaughan's closure rumours denied despite hardships
AFTER rumours that the Jona Vaughan Home for the Handicapped in Amanzimtoti might be closed down and its residents transferred to other facilities, the home's parents' association said it fears another Life Esidimeni tragedy might unfold if that is allowed to happen. Also read: Grim festive season for Jona Vaughan staff The Life Esidimeni tragedy involved the deaths of 144 patients at psychiatric facilities in Gauteng from causes including starvation and neglect. The patients died after they were removed from Life Esidimeni, a private healthcare provider, in 2016, and relocated to cheaper care centres. The Jona Vaughan Home for the Handicapped is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing care and residency to 69 handicapped persons, 40% of whom are abandoned or orphaned. The centre is administered by Durban and Coastal Mental Health (DCMH), which in turn is funded by the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development. The treasurer of the parents' association, Charmaine Lombard, said she heard from two sources that the Department of Health may consider withdrawing all funding from the end of June. 'There is no other facility like Jona Vaughan to cater for such profound disabilities. If Jona Vaughan were to close its doors, the residents would be moved to facilities outside of Durban. This would be detrimental to our residents as the Jona Vaughan Home is the only home that many of the residents know,' said Lombard. The funding that the facility receives from DCMH is never enough to cover all its day-to-day operating costs, which has led the parents' association to spearhead several fundraising initiatives. Lombard said the staff, whom many of the centre's residents regard as their parents, have not been paid in full since April. The water and electricity bill stands at R1.8 million, and the municipality has issued a notice to disconnect the supply on June 2. 'We feel that these issues are serious and critical and require a long-standing resolution, as we are the voices of the very people who deserve to be treated with care, dignity, kindness and respect. Just because the residents are mentally and physically challenged does not exclude them from the basic human rights they are entitled to,' she said. DCMH's CEO, Mbonisi Sibisi, stated that there have been no discussions regarding the closure of Jona Vaughn; however, an agreement between DCMH and DOH is set to expire in March 2026. 'DCMH has consistent meetings with DOH where we discuss the performance of the centre and other related issues. Our organisation is an NPO and largely depends on subsidies and donations. The subsidy only covers a fraction of the centre's costs,' said Sibisi. He also urged the public to keep supporting Jona Vaughan. How to help: A Back-a-buddy campaign to raise funds for Jona Vaughan Home for the Handicapped has been started. Go to to donate. The home is also hosting a work party on June 7, from 08:00, open to the public who may wish to assist. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
